Have you had your trial yet? - Something I wrote

[Goodboy]

Have you had your trial yet?

James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”

Since you have been a Christian have you gone through a trial caused by or allowed by God yet? Abraham went through a trial caused by God. Job went through a trial caused by Satan. All the heroes in the bible went through trials. What about you?

I use to think that a good Christian would not have any major problems in this world, kind of like a light version of the prosperity Gospel. Now that God has me going through a major trial, he has showed me that I am just being promoted. Before I go on, let me help you understand why we need a trial, test, temptation or what ever you want to call it.

So let’s say that I have been married for 50 years to the same woman who has never cheated on me. I am so happy that she has been faithful that I reward her with a diamond ring worth $50K and a large party celebration with 300 guests. Most of the guests don’t know much about my or my wife’s life and have much praise for my wife being faithful. However, my brother who I am close to and who lives near me is not at all impressed with my wife’s faithfulness.

My brother knows some things regarding my marriage that the others don’t know. He knows that I have never allowed my wife to be alone with or speak with anyone without me being right beside her. He knows if I would leave the house I would lock her inside and disable the phone so she could not see or speak with anyone. So the bottom line is that she was unable to cheat on me as I prevented it. Should she now receive a reward for something she really had no part in?

You can see in this made up example, that my wife does not deserve a reward. Now if I were to leave her alone for a year or more and she was subject to temptation and was faithful, then I could see rewarding her. Well guess what, God wants to reward us! For him to reward us he must allow us to go through some type of trial. So if you haven’t gone through a trial, you might want to question whether you are a mature Christian.

Please don’t feel bad if you haven’t had a major trial yet and I am not at all saying that you are not saved. I am saying that you are not as close to God as you could be, nor will you receive all the rewards that you could have. This is why the prosperity Gospel is so troubling, because it makes one think that the better your life is on earth, the better Christian you are.

Have you received your trial yet?

Goodboy

 

[Andy C]

Please don’t feel bad if you haven’t had a major trial yet and I am not at all saying that you are not saved. I am saying that you are not as close to God as you could be, nor will you receive all the rewards that you could have. This is why the prosperity Gospel is so troubling, because it makes one think that the better your life is on earth, the better Christian you are.

How does one define what a major trial is?

Im not sure I agree with your conclusion. Perhaps posting scripture might help to back up your claim?

 

[Goodboy]

How does one define what a major trial is?

Im not sure I agree with your conclusion. Perhaps posting scripture might help to back up your claim?

First let me say that I am happy to discuss anything I post, as I could be wrong.

That said, I was not at all trying to define what a major trial is . I was just saying that I use to think that Christians would not have any major trials. I then stated that I went through what was a major trial for me. So to attempt to answer your question. I don't think what I major trial is can be answered, as I believe the term "major" can only be defined individually as different people respond differently to specific trials. Two people could have the exact same trial and one feels it is major and another thinks it's minor.

What is the conclusion that you disagree with?
My main point was that trials are good in God's eyes and Christians will go through them.

Here are some Bible verses though.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

 

[Goodboy]

Here are some more Bible verses about trials.

What are some Bible verses about trials? | GotQuestions.org

What are some Bible verses about trials? What are some of the most well-known Bible verses about trials?

www.gotquestions.org

 

[1LoverofGod]

Oh Good boy ya opened up a can of worms here .....
Of anyone in this Community Forum who can testify to what I have dealt with in just the past three years, it would be Adrian and Andrea because I have shared all of my trials with them as they had come......and gone.... and come.... and gone....lol, and they seem to just come like I have drenched myself with honey and hit a beehive with a stick and a swarm of bees just came after me.

Here's my story of trials...

In the past 3 years alone I have been homeless and left with a walker and three bags of my belongings, but I looked at the other homeless people and felt pity for them because I had much more than they had because I have The Lord. I took the opportunity of being homeless to share Jesus with these lost souls who were in need of a Shepherd and hope.

God got me into a room and board, and later an apartment, and I continued to make the homeless my mission field to share the gospel with. To this day I still do it.

I lost all of my family, lost my church who abandoned me in my time of need, I had no friends, but I kept in touch with Adrian and Andrea Whom I love dearly.

My my spine got attacked with a rapid degeneration that my doctor described as rare and nothing like most people have, that caused permanent nerve damage in my left arm and hand, both legs and left foot that causes me to trip often, and I don't even have to take any mind altering substance to trip .

I ended up with Five spine surgeries these past 3 years that removed 2/3 of my discs and facet joints in my spine, four of the surgeries having fusions. leaving me with very little spine left that has no metal.

The first one I had the Spine surgeon put fake non FDA approved hardware in my spine and had done it to several patients and because it was a Scam for kickbacks, he went to jail and lost his medical license.
That surgery began all of my spine troubles.

Because every disc in my neck was removed, I have little mobility in my neck, the metal hardware in my neck doesn't let me move my head much in any direction, and my posture has my head downward so it looks like I am looking down, and at times people look to see what I am looking at downward and I want to say I lost my diamond ring just to make them look harder .

I've have suffered daily pain for two years. I have taken so many potent pain drugs that I have become tolerant, and no Opioids work anymore. The pain management doctor now wants me to consider a morphine pump, good grief. I take the medication because the pain level does come down at least to a 6-7.
Better than a continuous 10.

I've torn both left, and right rotator cuffs and bicep tendon leaving me with little ability to use my arms but hey, God moves them for me

My spine condition is so bad that doctors who have seen my radiology images have gasped at what they see, a few saying in their careers in medicine has never seen anything like my spine, one ER doctor saying my "spine is a mess".

My poor Primary doctor always says the same thing when I see him. "You're case is so complicated".
I believe he is more overwhelmed with my problems than I am.
I've really asked his medical assistant if he took his tranquilizer before I came in.

Last spine specialist said "all the real estate has been taken", meaning there's nowhere to do anymore surgery in spite of my having nerve compression of my spinal cord and foramina in my neck. Basically he said, "the nerve damage will just take it's course, because there's nothing surgically that can be done anymore ".

I'm given a prognosis of eventual paralysis. But I have a Big God who says....

27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"
Jeremiah 32:27

I believe His Word.

Jesus said...
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Luke 18:27

I've had a heart attack, I've developed tumors in my thyroid and lymph nodes.

I live alone with my dog Macho who is very loyal and is currently training to be my Service Dog to help me with tasks too difficult to do.

I have had trials But God has been my everything. Strength, Comfort, Sustainer,y All in All.

If I have learned anything with all of this it's been that I have learned to lean on God for everything and thank Him in advance for everything I need and pray about because God developed a history with me of Faithfulness that all the days I would think I just won't make it, God got me through.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you."
Isaiah 43:2

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord."
Lamentations 3:22-24.

I came to appreciate God's Word and I go to it for everything.
There's nothing in His Word that cannot be of help.
2 Timothy 3:16

What have trials done for me?

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:3-5

Character, Perseverance and Hope. Surely I have developed these things over time in seeing God continuously being Faithful.

They've only strengthened my faith and trust in God and I Never doubt His Faithfulness to be my help when I need Him.

"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble"
Psalm 46:1

"My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth"
Psalm 121:2

A day doesn't go by that I don't say "God is Good "
And every morning I thank Him for getting me past the day and night before because once again

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23

That's my testimony of God's Faithfulness in my trials.

I stand by The Word of God.
It is Sharper than a double edged sword and it is Truth.
When I am getting down, I go to my source of Truth that contains All of the promises of God that are in Christ Jesus and are Yes and Amen. 2 Corinthians 1:20

I apologize for the length of this response to the question, but it just came out as God's Spirit moves me.
God bless every believer undergoing trials and I pray that everyone will always place their trust in The Only One Who will Never fail us, Our ABBA Father in Heaven and our Lord Jesus Who made it possible for us to be called children of God.
Thank you Jesus

33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 

[Andy C]

What is the conclusion that you disagree with?
My main point was that trials are good in God's eyes and Christians will go through them.

In my post, I bolded your words that I have disagreement with:

”. I am saying that you are not as close to God as you could be, nor will you receive all the rewards that you could have”


Trials do build perseverance, and can make one stronger, as it certainly did in my case.

Like Rose posted, I also have had my share of trials.

 

[Andy C]

My main point was that trials are good in God's eyes and Christians will go through them.

Overall, I thought your OP was good, and it did bring up a few areas I have not studied on.

What exactly is a trial, and are all trials from God, or does God help us through any trial?

Is it wrong to assume every time we go through some sort of trial, financial hardship, physical problems, mental problems…etc…it is from God?

 

[Goodboy]

Oh Good boy ya opened up a can of worms here .....
Of anyone in this Community Forum who can testify to what I have dealt with in just the past three years, it would be Adrian and Andrea because I have shared all of my trials with them as they had come......and gone.... and come.... and gone....lol, and they seem to just come like I have drenched myself with honey and hit a beehive with a stick and a swarm of bees just came after me.

Here's my story of trials...

In the past 3 years alone I have been homeless and left with a walker and three bags of my belongings, but I looked at the other homeless people and felt pity for them because I had much more than they had because I have The Lord. I took the opportunity of being homeless to share Jesus with these lost souls who were in need of a Shepherd and hope.

God got me into a room and board, and later an apartment, and I continued to make the homeless my mission field to share the gospel with. To this day I still do it.

I lost all of my family, lost my church who abandoned me in my time of need, I had no friends, but I kept in touch with Adrian and Andrea Whom I love dearly.

My my spine got attacked with a rapid degeneration that my doctor described as rare and nothing like most people have, that caused permanent nerve damage in my left arm and hand, both legs and left foot that causes me to trip often, and I don't even have to take any mind altering substance to trip .

I ended up with Five spine surgeries these past 3 years that removed 2/3 of my discs and facet joints in my spine, four of the surgeries having fusions. leaving me with very little spine left that has no metal.

The first one I had the Spine surgeon put fake non FDA approved hardware in my spine and had done it to several patients and because it was a Scam for kickbacks, he went to jail and lost his medical license.
That surgery began all of my spine troubles.

Because every disc in my neck was removed, I have little mobility in my neck, the metal hardware in my neck doesn't let me move my head much in any direction, and my posture has my head downward so it looks like I am looking down, and at times people look to see what I am looking at downward and I want to say I lost my diamond ring just to make them look harder .

I've have suffered daily pain for two years. I have taken so many potent pain drugs that I have become tolerant, and no Opioids work anymore. The pain management doctor now wants me to consider a morphine pump, good grief. I take the medication because the pain level does come down at least to a 6-7.
Better than a continuous 10.

I've torn both left, and right rotator cuffs and bicep tendon leaving me with little ability to use my arms but hey, God moves them for me

My spine condition is so bad that doctors who have seen my radiology images have gasped at what they see, a few saying in their careers in medicine has never seen anything like my spine, one ER doctor saying my "spine is a mess".

My poor Primary doctor always says the same thing when I see him. "You're case is so complicated".
I believe he is more overwhelmed with my problems than I am.
I've really asked his medical assistant if he took his tranquilizer before I came in.

Last spine specialist said "all the real estate has been taken", meaning there's nowhere to do anymore surgery in spite of my having nerve compression of my spinal cord and foramina in my neck. Basically he said, "the nerve damage will just take it's course, because there's nothing surgically that can be done anymore ".

I'm given a prognosis of eventual paralysis. But I have a Big God who says....

27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"
Jeremiah 32:27

I believe His Word.

Jesus said...
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Luke 18:27

I've had a heart attack, I've developed tumors in my thyroid and lymph nodes.

I live alone with my dog Macho who is very loyal and is currently training to be my Service Dog to help me with tasks too difficult to do.

I have had trials But God has been my everything. Strength, Comfort, Sustainer,y All in All.

If I have learned anything with all of this it's been that I have learned to lean on God for everything and thank Him in advance for everything I need and pray about because God developed a history with me of Faithfulness that all the days I would think I just won't make it, God got me through.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you."
Isaiah 43:2

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord."
Lamentations 3:22-24.

I came to appreciate God's Word and I go to it for everything.
There's nothing in His Word that cannot be of help.
2 Timothy 3:16

What have trials done for me?

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:3-5

Character, Perseverance and Hope. Surely I have developed these things over time in seeing God continuously being Faithful.

They've only strengthened my faith and trust in God and I Never doubt His Faithfulness to be my help when I need Him.

"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble"
Psalm 46:1

"My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth"
Psalm 121:2

A day doesn't go by that I don't say "God is Good "
And every morning I thank Him for getting me past the day and night before because once again

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23

That's my testimony of God's Faithfulness in my trials.

I stand by The Word of God.
It is Sharper than a double edged sword and it is Truth.
When I am getting down, I go to my source of Truth that contains All of the promises of God that are in Christ Jesus and are Yes and Amen. 2 Corinthians 1:20

I apologize for the length of this response to the question, but it just came out as God's Spirit moves me.
God bless every believer undergoing trials and I pray that everyone will always place their trust in The Only One Who will Never fail us, Our ABBA Father in Heaven and our Lord Jesus Who made it possible for us to be called children of God.
Thank you Jesus

33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Yes this was long, but well worth reading!!! Your testimony gives Job a run for his money. While I feel sorry for your earthly life, I am proud of you and just know your rewards in Heaven will be well worth it!!! Our life on earth is like less than a second compared to eternity!!!

While the verse below speaks of temptations, I believe it also applies to the trials we may face. I don't think I could have dealt with all the trials you faced, but God knows that.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

All of your suffering will be rewarded
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

The Rapture will happen very soon and you will jump for joy!!!
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

God Bless!!!
Goodboy

 

[Andy C]

Yes this was long, but well worth reading!!! Your testimony gives Job a run for his money. While I feel sorry for your earthly life, I am proud of you and just know your rewards in Heaven will be well worth it!!! Our life on earth is like less than a second compared to eternity!!!

While the verse below speaks of temptations, I believe it also applies to the trials we may face. I don't think I could have dealt with all the trials you faced, but God knows that.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

All of your suffering will be rewarded
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

The Rapture will happen very soon and you will jump for joy!!!
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

God Bless!!!
Goodboy

Just like on RF, you always make me think and learn.

 

[Goodboy]

In my post, I bolded your words that I have disagreement with:

”. I am saying that you are not as close to God as you could be, nor will you receive all the rewards that you could have”


Trials do build perseverance, and can make one stronger, as it certainly did in my case.

Like Rose posted, I also have had my share of trials.

Glad you pointed out what you made bold, I missed that. Some parts of what I write are completely backed up by scripture, but others are just my opinion. My expectation right or wrong is that those who read what I write would respond to my main point, not everything I say.

 

[Goodboy]

Overall, I thought your OP was good, and it did bring up a few areas I have not studied on.

What exactly is a trial, and are all trials from God, or does God help us through any trial?

Is it wrong to assume every time we go through some sort of trial, financial hardship, physical problems, mental problems…etc…it is from God?

I now remember how we use to bump heads in the Rapture Forum. When I read your first response, I thought you had an issue with my main point. I would prefer that you had started with your statement of "Overall, I thought your OP was good" then I would not have thought you had a problem with my main point.

No worries!!! All is well!!!

 

[1LoverofGod]

Overall, I thought your OP was good, and it did bring up a few areas I have not studied on.

What exactly is a trial, and are all trials from God, or does God help us through any trial?

Is it wrong to assume every time we go through some sort of trial, financial hardship, physical problems, mental problems…etc…it is from God?

There's a reward, a crown of life for those who endure trials for Christ's sake.
It pertains to the crown of life but given to those who endure tribulation and persecution, and overcome temptation for Christ's sake, without losing faith as mentioned in scripture.
And this would go with Jesus words that "the one who endure to the end will be saved "

12"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him"
James 1:12

10 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Revelation 2:10

"And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
Matthew 10:22

I think if trials cause anyone to abandon their faith then they aren't enduring for Jesus sake. Thus wouldn't receive the crown of life.
We will suffer as Jesus suffered but scripture encouraged us that we are not alone in our sufferings.

"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ"
2 Corinthians 1:5

This also ties in with the parable of the sower and the Seed in Matthew 13:1-23

Primarily look at verse 20

20 "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles."

 

[Andy C]

Glad you pointed out what you made bold, I missed that. Some parts of what I write are completely backed up by scripture, but others are just my opinion. My expectation right or wrong is that those who read what I write would respond to my main point, not everything I say.

It may not of been your main point, but saying one is not as close to God as they think they are is also a very strong statement.

We seldom bumped heads, especially dealing with salvation issues which we always agreed on.

Even long after you stopped posting on RF, I would occasionally bump one of your many postings to spur on more discussion or for the new members to learn from.

 

[1LoverofGod]

Oh Good boy ya opened up a can of worms here .....
Of anyone in this Community Forum who can testify to what I have dealt with in just the past three years, it would be Adrian and Andrea because I have shared all of my trials with them as they had come......and gone.... and come.... and gone....lol, and they seem to just come like I have drenched myself with honey and hit a beehive with a stick and a swarm of bees just came after me.

Here's my story of trials...

In the past 3 years alone I have been homeless and left with a walker and three bags of my belongings, but I looked at the other homeless people and felt pity for them because I had much more than they had because I have The Lord. I took the opportunity of being homeless to share Jesus with these lost souls who were in need of a Shepherd and hope.

God got me into a room and board, and later an apartment, and I continued to make the homeless my mission field to share the gospel with. To this day I still do it.

I lost all of my family, lost my church who abandoned me in my time of need, I had no friends, but I kept in touch with Adrian and Andrea Whom I love dearly.

My my spine got attacked with a rapid degeneration that my doctor described as rare and nothing like most people have, that caused permanent nerve damage in my left arm and hand, both legs and left foot that causes me to trip often, and I don't even have to take any mind altering substance to trip .

I ended up with Five spine surgeries these past 3 years that removed 2/3 of my discs and facet joints in my spine, four of the surgeries having fusions. leaving me with very little spine left that has no metal.

The first one I had the Spine surgeon put fake non FDA approved hardware in my spine and had done it to several patients and because it was a Scam for kickbacks, he went to jail and lost his medical license.
That surgery began all of my spine troubles.

Because every disc in my neck was removed, I have little mobility in my neck, the metal hardware in my neck doesn't let me move my head much in any direction, and my posture has my head downward so it looks like I am looking down, and at times people look to see what I am looking at downward and I want to say I lost my diamond ring just to make them look harder .

I've have suffered daily pain for two years. I have taken so many potent pain drugs that I have become tolerant, and no Opioids work anymore. The pain management doctor now wants me to consider a morphine pump, good grief. I take the medication because the pain level does come down at least to a 6-7.
Better than a continuous 10.

I've torn both left, and right rotator cuffs and bicep tendon leaving me with little ability to use my arms but hey, God moves them for me

My spine condition is so bad that doctors who have seen my radiology images have gasped at what they see, a few saying in their careers in medicine has never seen anything like my spine, one ER doctor saying my "spine is a mess".

My poor Primary doctor always says the same thing when I see him. "You're case is so complicated".
I believe he is more overwhelmed with my problems than I am.
I've really asked his medical assistant if he took his tranquilizer before I came in.

Last spine specialist said "all the real estate has been taken", meaning there's nowhere to do anymore surgery in spite of my having nerve compression of my spinal cord and foramina in my neck. Basically he said, "the nerve damage will just take it's course, because there's nothing surgically that can be done anymore ".

I'm given a prognosis of eventual paralysis. But I have a Big God who says....

27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"
Jeremiah 32:27

I believe His Word.

Jesus said...
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Luke 18:27

I've had a heart attack, I've developed tumors in my thyroid and lymph nodes.

I live alone with my dog Macho who is very loyal and is currently training to be my Service Dog to help me with tasks too difficult to do.

I have had trials But God has been my everything. Strength, Comfort, Sustainer,y All in All.

If I have learned anything with all of this it's been that I have learned to lean on God for everything and thank Him in advance for everything I need and pray about because God developed a history with me of Faithfulness that all the days I would think I just won't make it, God got me through.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you."
Isaiah 43:2

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord."
Lamentations 3:22-24.

I came to appreciate God's Word and I go to it for everything.
There's nothing in His Word that cannot be of help.
2 Timothy 3:16

What have trials done for me?

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:3-5

Character, Perseverance and Hope. Surely I have developed these things over time in seeing God continuously being Faithful.

They've only strengthened my faith and trust in God and I Never doubt His Faithfulness to be my help when I need Him.

"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble"
Psalm 46:1

"My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth"
Psalm 121:2

A day doesn't go by that I don't say "God is Good "
And every morning I thank Him for getting me past the day and night before because once again

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23

That's my testimony of God's Faithfulness in my trials.

I stand by The Word of God.
It is Sharper than a double edged sword and it is Truth.
When I am getting down, I go to my source of Truth that contains All of the promises of God that are in Christ Jesus and are Yes and Amen. 2 Corinthians 1:20

I apologize for the length of this response to the question, but it just came out as God's Spirit moves me.
God bless every believer undergoing trials and I pray that everyone will always place their trust in The Only One Who will Never fail us, Our ABBA Father in Heaven and our Lord Jesus Who made it possible for us to be called children of God.
Thank you Jesus

33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I forgot to mention that all the spinal fusions caused my upper spine to shift to the right and now I also have scoliosis.

 

[Goodboy]

Overall, I thought your OP was good, and it did bring up a few areas I have not studied on.

What exactly is a trial, and are all trials from God, or does God help us through any trial?

Is it wrong to assume every time we go through some sort of trial, financial hardship, physical problems, mental problems…etc…it is from God?

I did not realize your questions were to me. I thought you were just throwing out those thoughts. I will now answer your questions with my opinion.

A trial to me is anything bad that happens to us in this life and how we respond to it. My title of "Have you had your trial yet" might be confusing because everyone on earth actually has trials. The point is actually realizing that they are trials and therefor responding in a positive way by trusting God.

All trials are not from God and I believe that most are not. Lot's trial came from Satan, but God allowed it.

Yes, God will help us through any trial if we acknowledge him and allow him to.

As I stated before, most trials are not from God, Abraham was an exception when God asked him to sacrifice his son. So no, we should not assume that our trials are from God.

Goodboy

 

[1LoverofGod]

I did not realize your questions were to me. I thought you were just throwing out those thoughts. I will now answer your questions with my opinion.

A trial to me is anything bad that happens to us in this life and how we respond to it. My title of "Have you had your trial yet" might be confusing because everyone on earth actually has trials. The point is actually realizing that they are trials and therefor responding in a positive way by trusting God.

All trials are not from God and I believe that most are not. Lot's trial came from Satan, but God allowed it.

Yes, God will help us through any trial if we acknowledge him and allow him to.

As I stated before, most trials are not from God, Abraham was an exception when God asked him to sacrifice his son. So no, we should not assume that our trials are from God.

Goodboy

True that God isn't always the one who tests us, but Satan is constantly testing us as in the example of Job.
Testing can come in form of temptation as well as sufferings.
Satan does try to steal kill and destroy and will use trials to attempt to draw us away from God, many times getting some to the point of blaming God for our troubles.
But Satan is a liar and has lied from the beginning and is father of the lie.

Then there are the trials that God will allow us to go through as a repercussion for our disobedience. God has demonstrated this with the Nation of Israel.

After God delivered them from bondage in Egypt, they complained so much that God permitted them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The biblical number 40 represents a time of testing. But even then, God supplied for His people but they still complained.

God gave Moses the Law on the Holy Mount and while he was receiving the Law, the Israelites made a god for themselves because they believed God had abandoned them and because of their idolatry God didn't allow that generation of Israelites to enter the promised Land.

Israel is a chosen people of God and because of their constant disobedience and ultimately denying The promised coming of Jesus, God has given Israel a partially hardened heart and God is going to test them a last time during Jacob's Trouble in the Tribulation.

So indeed, Sometimes God will test us because of disobedience or to strengthen our faith and draw near to Him.


"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one."
James 1:12-13

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.."
1 Peter 1:6-7

“Thus says the Lord: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace. Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor? Why has every face turned pale? Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it."
Jeremiah 30:5-7


"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded"
James 4:8

I believe that our rewards come from our endurance, not so much for our closeness to God.
But then, how could we endure if not for being close to God?

 

[Goodboy]

True that God isn't always the one who tests us, but Satan is constantly testing us as in the example of Job.
Testing can come in form of temptation as well as sufferings.
Satan does try to steal kill and destroy and will use trials to attempt to draw us away from God, many times getting some to the point of blaming God for our troubles.
But Satan is a liar and has lied from the beginning and is father of the lie.

Then there are the trials that God will allow us to go through as a repercussion for our disobedience. God has demonstrated this with the Nation of Israel.

After God delivered them from bondage in Egypt, they complained so much that God permitted them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The biblical number 40 represents a time of testing. But even then, God supplied for His people but they still complained.

God gave Moses the Law on the Holy Mount and while he was receiving the Law, the Israelites made a god for themselves because they believed God had abandoned them and because of their idolatry God didn't allow that generation of Israelites to enter the promised Land.

Israel is a chosen people of God and because of their constant disobedience and ultimately denying The promised coming of Jesus, God has given Israel a partially hardened heart and God is going to test them a last time during Jacob's Trouble in the Tribulation.

So indeed, Sometimes God will test us because of disobedience or to strengthen our faith and draw near to Him.


"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one."
James 1:12-13

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.."
1 Peter 1:6-7

“Thus says the Lord: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace. Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor? Why has every face turned pale? Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it."
Jeremiah 30:5-7


"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded"
James 4:8

I believe that our rewards come from our endurance, not so much for our closeness to God.
But then, how could we endure if not for being close to God?

Excellent points!!!

 

[Tall Timbers]

I think most of our trials we bring upon ourselves with poor choices/decisions/actions. None-the-less, God uses even those trials for good in our lives. And by lives, I mean from here through eternity. I can think of trials I went through that I didn't bring upon myself. God uses those for good as well.

I don't think satan puts us through trials. I think that any chance he gets he tries to destroy us. Thankfully, we have some Spiritual protection from that one.

It's helpful to remember to thank God for everything that happens in our lives, both the good and the bad. For us, He turns it all to good. It may be easier for us to understand that when we're with Him in Glory.

 

[Goodboy]

I think most of our trials we bring upon ourselves with poor choices/decisions/actions. None-the-less, God uses even those trials for good in our lives. And by lives, I mean from here through eternity. I can think of trials I went through that I didn't bring upon myself. God uses those for good as well.

I don't think satan puts us through trials. I think that any chance he gets he tries to destroy us. Thankfully, we have some Spiritual protection from that one.

It's helpful to remember to thank God for everything that happens in our lives, both the good and the bad. For us, He turns it all to good. It may be easier for us to understand that when we're with Him in Glory.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

[Kaatje]

Iron sharps iron, and together we grow.
I loved the discussion and outcome.